Baillie Lodges transforms Longitude 131 with new balconies

Baillie Lodges has transformed its luxury desert camp Longitude 131 with the addition of stylish new balconies on each of its 15 tents, creating contemporary outdoor living areas while enhancing its unrivalled views of Uluru.

Designed by Max Pritchard – the architect behind Baillie Lodges’ acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island – each balcony has been styled with modern day beds, armchairs and EcoSmart fireplaces, extending the luxury of Longitude 131 outdoors while providing guests with a new perspective on the surrounding desert landscape.

Central to the new concept is a bespoke luxury swag for two, a modern reinvention of the traditional Australian bushman’s bedroll. Unfurled at nightfall in front of the fireplace, it gives guests the option of sleeping beneath the southern stars while still enjoying the comfort and style of Australia’s most celebrated desert retreat.

The swags are offered as part of a new evening service in which guests are served port, Cognac and other digestifs by firelight, along with a savoury treat prepared by the lodge chef.

The new balconies are the latest enhancements by Baillie Lodges since taking over Longitude 131 in late 2013.

They follow a multi-million dollar refurbishment that introduced features including new fabrics, designer furnishings, ceramics, Indigenous artworks and the group’s signature “Baillie Bed”.

Baillie Lodges Managing Director James Baillie said the balconies were part of a wider vision to reaffirm Longitude 131 as the most exclusive luxury retreat in Australia’s Red Centre.

“Our aim is to take the property to new levels of luxury, while at the same time enhancing its connection with Uluru and the desert environment,” Baillie said.

“The new balconies and luxury swags create a whole new level of intimacy, completely removing any barrier between the visitor and the landscape at Australia’s spiritual heart.”

The new balconies feature locally sourced furnishings including daybeds constructed from plantation New Guinea rosewood by Tobias Staheli of Spacial Expressions, South Australia, Maxi Chairs by Robert Plumb of New South Wales and Gervasoni Inout ceramic side tables supplied by Anibou.

The EcoSmart fires operate with bioethanol burners and are set in a stone and rosewood bench.

The luxury swags have been especially created for Longitude 131 and were handmade by Country Sew ‘n’ Sew in South Australia, incorporating an Australian-made canvas exterior, an Australian wool and cotton underlay and a woollen insert.